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UBHARY of CONGRESS 
Two Cooles Received 

AUG 8 1906 

/I Coayri£>it Entry 
tLASSf <2- XXc. No. 

/S' o S^ 

COPY B. 






y^ "White Vlain^, JV. ^. ^ 




HROADWAY, IA)OKING SOUTH. 




S "The apparel oft proclaims the man," so the name of a place usually has some relation tc 
^\ situation, commemorates some important event in its history, or is given in honor of its founde 

benefactor. Such, however, is not the case with White Plains, for with singular infelicity 
designation our forefathers selected a name entirely without significance and wholly misleading 
The stranger, hearing it spoken of, naturally pictures to himself the monotony of the pra 
without its vastness, or the flats of Holland unrelieved by the picturesque windmill or the slugj 
canal. 

What, then, is the true topography of this village? Nestling among the rugged hills of 

Westchester, with scarcely a level spot within its borders, it bears, as viewed from the sc 

a striking resemblance to the beautiful city of Florence, the leaf-clad heights in the distance suggesting: 

cool shades of the Vallombrosia, the crystal Bronx representing the "Tawny Arno," and the sta 

Court House reproducing the Italian villa. 

If you would get a correct idea of its altitude and of the beauty of the surrounding countr}-, stand on 

great portico of the residence of Mr. O. R. Harriman, or on the site of Mr. Paul G. Thebaud's new h 

" Hillair," and look about 3-ou. | 

Far below, in the valley, the Mamaroneck River pursues its tortuous course to the sea through 

apparently unbroken forest, and beyond are the broad expanse of "The Sound" and the Long Island s 




RAILROAD AVENUE. 



etching to the east and west, until its outline gradnally fades away and disappears. To your right is a 
iiorama of hills walled in b\- the Palisades. 

Passing on to "Hill Crest" or "Ophir Castle," an entirely different scene presents itself; one that will 
ke the Englishman feel quite at home, as he views the rich rolling meadows, and the tall church spires 
ing from among the trees. 

Do not be content with contemplating Nature from afar. Come nearer and see what a rich floral store she 
5 here. As you return from your office, weary and worn with the struggle of the da}', she comes out to 
et you and extend a grateful welcome. 

From Scarsdale, right into the heart of the village, she has stationed a guard of hemlocks to watch her 
uitiful Bronx, clothing them with ermine and studding them with jewels in winter and in the spring 
ping every branchlet with a tas.sel of golden green. The silver-barked beeches also rise on either side and 
erlace their protecting branches above the rippling stream. Look to the left and see these masses of loyeU' 
iks on the western slope, and a little higher up, note the great layers of creamy white dogwood rising one 
)ve the other. Later in the season you will find the pastures carpeted with golden rod and the orange 
ored butterfly plant. But, if you would hold still closer converse with Nature, visit her in her virgin home 
among '"The Hills," on the steep inclines of the new reservoir. Here ma}- be found the rare flora of this 
itude, many of them unknown even to eager amateurs. The hillsides are covered with laurel and the pink 
ilia. In the shade f)f the forest trees are found the monotropa, the yellow and the pink moccasin flower, and 
■eral varieties of dainty orchid. Up among the rocks the arbutus, that harbinger of spring, peeps out from 
ong the withered leaves before the snow has taken its final leave. Here, too, may be heard the bark of the 
:, the drumming of the partridge, and at twilight, the wail of the whipporwill. All this within a radius of 
•ee miles from the station, which can be reached in thirty-five minutes from 42d Street. 



"As all roads led to Rom 
all roads in Westchester Count; 
to White Plains, and the cor 
of the proposition, which is j 
important for our present purp< 
that roads radiate from it i 
directions, bringing its residei 
touch with all parts of the Cc 
And this is one of the verj- attr 
features of the place. At mos 
side resorts there are but one u 
fine drives, but here one may! 
over an entirely new road, wit! 
surroundings and new scenes 
after day, and make endless c 
nations, extending the distance 
iive to twent3--five miles at pie 
Yonkers, "Sunny Side," Sleepy 
low, the parks and princel}' uiai 
of Aliss Gould and Mr. Wm. Rockefeller, are all within easy driving distance to the west. In the op 
direction, at no greater distance, are Larchmont, Orienta, Rye Beach and Belle Haven, the Newport of C< 
ticut. If you prefer farm, woodland and lake scenery, take the State road along the base of the preci 
rocks of Mount Alisery and Kensico Reservoir, cross the valley to King Street, return by wa}- of 
Lake and St. Mary's Lake, and you have primitive farm life and "bits" of lake and mountain view, wort 
the Adirondacks or the Maine wilderness. ; 

Within the village much attention is given to the adornment and care of the lawns, and the 
fence is rapidl}' becoming a thing of the past. The most striking feature of all, and one that surpris 
stranger and calls forth expressions of admiration, is Broadway, which was originally the one an( 




SUMMER HOUSE OX BROADWAY. 




RESIDENCE OF CH \RLES C. LLOYD. 

3 




l:l!i>.\Ii\V.\V, I.iMiKlNi; NllKTII\Vi:ST. 




HESHlKNCE UK HON. \VM. I>. I'LATT. 



Street of the town. Fifty years ago the 
County buildings, churches, stores, as 
well as the principal residences were 
here. This was White Plains. Now 
there is not an office or place of business 
to be found on it. A mile in length, 
it gradually rises for two-thirds of the 
distance and then gentlj^ falls awaj'. 
From a width of loo feet at the upper 
end it widens out to more than 300 feet 
at the lower. Fine old trees shade the 
walks and drives and are scattered 
singh' or in groups over the broad green. 
The driveways are curbed, guttered 
and macadamized. The intersecting 
streets on either side cuter by double 
approaches, leaving triangular plots of 
varying size for shrubbery and flowers. 
The Green is under the care of the \'il- 
lage Park Association, an organization 
that has done much to arouse interest in 
the old street. At its touch flowers 



have sprung into life where formerly 
the thistle and the dock held undis- 
puted possession and the pasture 
ground and the hay field of eight 
years ago have been transformed into 
velvety turf. On a fine sightly spot, 
commanding an extensive view of 
the Purchase Hills and the estates 
of Hon. Whitelaw Reid and Messrs. 
O. R. Harriman and W. A. Read, it 
has erected the picturesque summer 
home, a view of which appears on 
the title page of this work. For 
novelty of design, excellence of work- 
manship and completeness of finish 
in its every detail, it has few supe- 
riors as a specimen of a rustic shelter. 
Directly below it, at the foot of 
the hill, the same organization is 
now constructing a lily pond and 
fountain, which, when completed, 
will be the most attractive feature 
of the Park. In all this work 




UESIIlKM'E OF MISS MAIIEL I. NATHANS. 




H.^IUI^TON AVKNTE. 
5 




BROADWAY PARK. 



the Association has had the cordial 
and generous support of the Board 
of Trustees of tlic \'illa.L;c and of 
the citizens of the niunicipalit}- and 
of the towns bcN'ond our borders. 
Choice shrubbery and beautiful flow- 
ers are strewn with a lavish hand 
over the Park, liivinj^ fine effects 
both of form and color. Nothing 
speaks more eloquently of the gen- 
eral law-abiding character of our peo- 
ple than the fact that it is a rare 
exception when a flower is picked or 
a shrub broken, though wholly un- 
protected by any enclosure, while 
hundreds of men, women and children 
in every walk of life pass and repass 
daily. 

All the improvements contem- 
plated have not ]:)een made as yet, , 
but within the next two years the 
main features, at least, will become 
realities, for the interest of the 
people is now so thoroughly aroused that nothing can stop the good work, and when it is finished it will ^ 
be the finest combination of park and esplanade to be found in any village in the Empire State, a perpetual 
joy to all lovers of the beautiful who view it, and an object of earnest solicitude and honest pride to the entire 
community. Here, then, you have a lovely park at your very door; delightful drives over the hills and through 
the valleys; charming walks through the woods and by the lakes; superb views of wide extent over a mo.st 
picturesque country, every charm of 
rural life. 

To do justice to While Plains in 
a space so limited is impossible. 
This, speaking in language appro- 
priate to the subject, must necessarily 
be only the frame work around which 
a most substantial house might be 
built. 

The development of W h i t e 
Plains real estate has been remark- 
able in many respects. There are 
men living here to-day who well 
remember the time when White 
Plains consisted of a few buildings 
grouped chiefl}' around the lower or 
southern end of Broadway. To da}- 
there are approximately 3043 build- 
ings within the corporate limits, 
843 of which have been built within 
the last three years, and a great tract 
of about five square miles is thicklj' 

RESIDENCE OF TUO.MAS SI.MPSON'. 





lilLLAUc, la-JSlHWM'l-J ii|.' i'Al L i;. niKBAUD. 




settled by White Plains citizens 
Building operations are steadil}- in 
creasing in number and importance 
and many new buildings are now ii 
course of construction. In character 
these houses range from the modes 
cottage to the mansion of the mil 
lionaire. Another development ii 
the building line is the constructioi 
of office buildino-s. 

o 

An interesting feature of thi: 
rapid progress in building has beei 
the opening and development of nev 
sections. Almost in a night, it ha: 
seemed, tracts of more or less un 
kempt land have been opened anc 
developed, and turned into park-lik( 
regions with macadam roads, stOTK 
sidewalks, green lawns and pretty 
homes. And A-et, in the face of al 
this development, real estate mei 



"OPHJK r.A.R.M." KESIIJENCE OF WHITELAW REID. 




KBSlDHNfE OF WM. A. UEAn. 



agree lliat tliey are unable to meet 
tlic deniand for houses to rent, on the 
part ot' strangers wlio wisli to locate 
here. Between iSgo and 1900, the 
population of White Plains has nearly 
d;)ubled. In respect to the percentage 
of increase of population during this 
period, White Plains probably leads 
the cities and villages of the State 
of New York. This fact has caused 
much comuient and no little surprise. 
And with this great increa.se in popu- 
lation Ins come, as a natural sequence, 
a great increase in real estate values. 
In quick succession, section after sec- 
tion ol new territory has been opened, 
developed and improved. Yet, in 
spite of the fact that all of this 
additional land has been made avail- 
able for homes, the advance in values 
generally has been strong and steady. 
In many sections of the village lots 













:'>#2V: 






■^ ■ 



GKOVNUS OV rAlI, G. THIOMAIM 
8 




COURT STREET. 



command two or three times what they might have been purchased for a few years ago. Some land, fo 
instance, that three years ago was used as a cow pasture and was purchasable for a few hundred dollars ai 
acre, now sells at $40.00 or more a front foot with a depth of only 125 feet. The home seeker may still 
however, find hundreds of desirable lots that can be secured at such a low price as to be easily within the read 
of the man of modest income. As indicative of the advance and development of White Plains real estate, i 
is \\'orth while to compare the corpo- 
rate assessments of different periods. 
In the year 1891, the total assessed 
value of real estate in the village 
was $1,261,178.00. Five years later, 
in 1896, the assessment of real 
estate was $2,142,495.00. At the 
expiration of another five year period, 
in 1 90 1, we find our real estate 
assessed at $6,761,065.00. Our 
assessed value for 1 905 was 
$12,000,000.00. 

Some of our friends along the 
river and elsewhere, who have noted 
our progress, while iheir own homes 
have perhaps stood still, or taken a 
few steps backwards, find it hard 




COURT HOUSE. 




■lUDCKLHIUII. 



HKSinENCE OF OT.IVEH K. llAi 



understand lliis prosperity and ask the why and wherefore. Tlie reasons are many, and a few will 
mentioned. Some we may credit to natuie and some to men. Xo one of these reasons is probablj- 

titled to be designated "the" reason, but each has had potent inflnence and they have united to make 

hite Plains one of the most desirable places of residence within the limits of civilization -a broad state- 

.'ut to be sure, but one the truth of which nui}- be demonstrated. 
The village of White Plains is 

iilv remarkable for its healthful 

cation. In fact, there is no place 

ithin the same distance of New 

ork that can compare with it in this 

spect. As far as malaria is con- 

rned, while this dreaded poison is 

und nu)re or less in most places 

3 to a certain degree of latitude, 
can be stated truthfully that for 

anj' j-ears the village has been 

itirely free from it. 

The village suffers less from 

)ideniics than any of the snrround- 

ig villages, and when any of tluni 

) appear thev seem never to att;iin 

p an}' great magnitude, nor do they 

,-er become very violent. 

As to accessibility, the village is 

tuated midway between the Hud- 

)n River and Long Island Sound 

oout seven miles from each, and 
connected by steam and electric uesidenck of fu.x.nk t, k.mu.k. 




10 




UnSIDENCE OF HARVEY HUSTED. 



RESIDENCE OF E. G. SUTHERLAND 



cars with every section of the county. A trolley arm extends from White Plains to Tarry town, another 
to St. I\Iary's Lake, another to Mamaroneck, with connections to Harrison, Rye, Rye Beach, Port Ches- 
ter, the Connecticut shore, Larchmont, New Rochelle and the Citv of New York. Still another arm 
e.Ktends to Scarsdale and Mount Veruon and there connects with a line to Yonkers. And it is prob- 
able that soon another trollej' arm will be under construction to the north. One of the reasons why 




GREENUIbCK AVE.NL'E. 
1 I 



V* -*''l^^.' 



:3^ 



'^*^''.1V^ ■ ^^Jbo: 









■THE ORCHARDS." KESII IK.M 'K (IK KICENK !i. KICV.NAI,, 




While Plains citizens are sanguine of the future, lies in the 
fact that the village is destined to be the centre of a great 
electric surface railvvaj' system, binding together all parts of 
the county and bringing them into close touch with tlie vast 
territorv bevond the Westchester boundaries. Those havinsf 




ST. JOHNS ACADEMY. 



■■ i I II:) 



busiuess in New York City comprise 
a large percentage of the population 
of the village. The regular single 
trip fare is fift}- cents ; the round 
trip fare is ninet}^ cents ; the round 
trip by the so-called family ticket 
costs fifty-seven cents, and bv the 
monthly ticket only about twenty 
cents or about S6.35 a month. 

Natural opportunit}- for expan- 
sion is another reason for White 
Plains' past, present and future 
growth. The needle of the compass 
can point in no direction in which 
White Plains cannot spread. No 
river, sound, or insurmountable hills 
cut her off on any side. On the 
contrary, she is wholly surrounded 
by tracts of land which are suitable 
and desirable for residential purposes. 

As the count}^ seat of one of the 
most populous and wealthy counties 




RESIDENCE OF L. V. SON'E. 




GR.\ND STREET. 
13 




UESIPKNCK 111' 11 



llUNIHOKSciN. 



in tlic State of New York, W'liite 
Plains possesses a peculiar impor- 
tance. Here are the oflRces of the 
Register, Countv Clerk, County 
Treasurer, Sheriff, and other count}- 
officers. Here sit the Supreme, vSur- 
roj^ate and Countj- Courts, and the 
various trial terms durin<,j the year 
bring to White Plains a multitude 
of lawyers, litigants, witnesses and 
jurors. The Board of Supervisors 
also have their sessions here. 

In its nearness to New York 
Cit\- lies one of the chief rea.sons for 
the advance of local real estate. So 
long as New York Citv grows, While 
Plains must grow. The suburban 
district contiguous to New York City 
is vast and varied, but uo other .sec- 
tion of it offers .so man}' advantages 
for a place of residence as White 
Plains. New York City Hall can 
now be reached more quickly from 

White Plains th;ni from mauv sections of the Borough of Manhattan itself. Those who ate able to 

judge from experience, will commonly concede that the shopping and theatrical districts of the Borough of 

.Manhattan can be reached not only with greater comfort, but with greater speed from White Plains than 

from most sections of the I'orough of Brooklyn. Tlie new rapid transit system, now under construction 

in New York Citv, will be a great and ])articular blessing to the suburban district north of the city, 

and our village will come in for its 

full measure of advantage. By 

means of it, the trij) from White 

Plains to City Hall in the Borough 

of Manhattan can probably be made 

in less than fifty minutes with the 

improvements contemplated. As to 

general improvements, there have 

been many. A few years ago a 

common expression was: "The one 

thing that White Plains needs is 

good roads." vShe has them now. 

During the past ten years, fifteen 

miles of the village streets have been 

paved with brick or macadamized. 

Railroad Avenue, the chief business 

street, and several other streets have 

been paved over a part or the whole of 

their length with brick, while nearly 

all other important streets have been 

macadamized and equipped with 

brick-paved gutters. On this feature 




BHOADWAY, 



'4 




ST. MARY'S LAKE. 



of municipal improvement alone, the 
village has expended $580,000.00 ; 
and the work along this line within 
the village has been supplemented by 
the State road work and similar work 
on the part of surrounding towns. 
Outside of the corporate limits and 
within a radius of a few miles of the 
village of White Plains, during the 
past ten years 23^2 miles of high- 
ways have been macadamized at a 
cost of approximately $222,000.00, 
and the County is rapidly being cov- 
ered with a net work of macadamized 
roads centering at White Plains. 

Another improvement worth 
noticing is the village water system 
which is now the property of the 
municipality. 

A storage reservoir, with a 
capacity of one hundred million gal- 
lons, has been recently constructed at 




IlEEIDENCE OF H. P. STEWART. 





MICMOUIAL M. E. CHimril. 



■IHRCII (>[■■ ST. .I.illN TIIR EV'ANOEI.IST. 






BETHEL, UAPTIST CHURCH. 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 




^^PTIST CHUR<^*^ 





ST. PAUL'S M. P. CHURCH. 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 





c:iA'rTi:i{T().\- hill, congregational 
ciiiiuii 



GKAC1-: i;l-lSl.t)l'AL llll KCII. 



cost of 590,000.00, while tlie expense of acquiring the land needed for a water-shed was about S6o,ooo.co. 
'his has been a large, but. at the same time a wise and necessary expenditure, and White Plains now lies 
well nigh unsurpassed water supply and system. The village water is clean and clear, most agreeable to 
le taste, and has been proved bv ocpert examination lo be pure and wholesome. Further, tliere are no 
jrporate profits to be realized, and water is supplied to the consumer at an unusually low rate. 

.\nother noteworthy fact in connection with our water system is tlic high pressure, wliicli proves so 
Ivantagcous in ca.se of fire. 

Under direct pumping, the pressure at hydrant, usually about S6 pounds, can Ije increased to 140 
aunds, and made to equal the capacity of a first-class steam fire engine This, in addition to a first-class 
re alarm system, brings us to the mention of the very efficient volunteer fire department of White Plains, 
[any times, what . threatened to be a disastroiis conflagration has been extinguished with little damage, 
jlely by reason of tlie prompt, courageous and intelligent manner in which the local firemen have responded. 
*hey are a well-trained, well-disciplined and well-equipped body of men. Considering the size of the village. 
le loss by fire has been ver}- small, 
lid the rate of insurance, a point 
f interest to all owners of im- 
roved property, is nearly or quite 
le "rock l)ottom"' figure of insur- 
nce companies. 

In her sewerage and drainage 
ystems the village is also fortn- 
ate. The sewer system has been 
xtended to every part of the vil- 
ige and connection with it is made 
ompulsory. The natural drainage 
f the village is excellent and it 
> supplemented by a good system 
f drains. 

Another recent improvement 
ame in the establishment of the 
-ee mail deliverv, wliicli has been 




CHAPEL OF THK IKVINK COMPASHION. 



18 



extended even to the rural dis- 
tricts. 

Along every possible line of 
progress in the field of real estate, 
White Plains is advancing. Build- 
ings which have been recently 
erected, or are in course of con- 
struction, are not only notable in 
number, but in the improved order 
of architecture and the higher 
regard for the artistic, that is now 
shown. And the owners of old 
as well as new buildings, speaking 
generally, are displa3ang a greater 
pride in their maintenance than 
was once the rule. Civic pride is 
wide awake. 

Great as the development of 
White Plains in recent years has 
been, a greater advance may confi- 
dently be expected within the next 
few years. The conditions at no 
time in the history of the village 

were more favorable for rapid progress than they are to-day, and the outlook for the future is even brighter. 
The many attractions which exalt White Plains are perceptible to even any casual visitor. Nature has 

done her part in giving to this locality a diversity of charms which elicit praise from every prospector. 

Those who come here to reside, seldom go away again unless compelled by adverse circumstances. The reason 




RESIDENCE OF C. 



MICHENER. 




ripi;evie\\ ave.nle. 

19 




TODD'S LAKE. 



danger of the disagreeable and nnsanitarj 
and popnlation. The rate of taxation, includ 
limits, is less than two per cent. 

A marked peculiarit}^ of White Plains is 
than two planing mills, the outpnt of which is 
therefore purely a re.sidential place, 
and is free from the noise and 
smoke that detract so materiall}- 
from the peace and comfort of 
factory towns. 

All the Christian denomina- 
tions are represented, and have 
large and flourishing congrega- 
tions. 

Popnlation within the village, 
seventeen thou.sand. These fig- 
ures differ from those of the vState 
census, owing to the fact lliat tlie 
part of White Plains \'illage lying 
west of the Bronx River, and 
known as the Chatterton Hill Dis- 
trict, was included in the census 
of Greenburgh. 

Pride, and a spirit to excel 
prevails among our merchants. No 
town in Westchester County can 
boast of finer stores or better 
markets. 



of this is that our air, water and 
scenery are unsurpassed in all the 
elements and characteristics of 
a liiallliful. jiicturesque and well 
located countrj^ home. Our eleva- 
tion above tidewater is about 270 
feet. With the ocean within onlv 
a few miles on the east and llie 
liills and mountains of New York, 
New Jersey and Penns^-lvania on 
the west. These conditions are 
known to give that atmospheric 
perfection which begets robust 
health. 

Considering the large amount 
necessarily expended in securing 
the man}' improvements noted in 
this article and nian\- not men- 
tioned, the tax rate is not high 
but is what must be expected in 
a modern, up-to-date village, the 
citizens of which are unwilling to 
submit to the discomforts and 
conditions that prevail in man}- villages of equal wealth 
ing all taxes chargeable against property within the corporate 

the absence of anv factories. There are no factories here, other 
used principallv in local building operations. \\'hite Plains is 




RESIUEN'CE OF .JOHN MILES. 



80 




■'GEDNEY FARM.' 



RESIDENCE OF H. WILLETS. 



Our RailrosLd FaLcilities 




HAT might possibly be considered the eighth wonder ot the world is the fact that the village of 
J^ White Plains, served b}- bnt one transportation company, which is absolutely free from competition, 
has a train service which is pronounced satisfactory by those who have occasion to patronize it. 
The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, without the incentive of competition on the 
part of rival lines, and not hampered by the prevailing competitive methods of trolley lines, gives 
a suburban service between New York 
and White Plains which is equalled by 
but one instance in the Ignited States. 
The present service is the result of a 
stead}- and satisfactor}^ growth from 
year to 3-ear, until, at the present time, 
about as man}- trains are run during 
the rush hours of the day as the present 
track accommodations w'ill take care of. 
It is gratifying to note, also, that for 
years the service given has actually ex- 
ceeded the bare necessities of the busi- 
ness to be taken care of, and that in- 
stead of being a little behind the times 
with its service, the railroad company 
has led the procession, and is now 
reaping the resulting benefits. 




BROADWAY. 





UliSlPENXE OF E. H. GKAVES. 



RESIDENCE OF AUGUST BltANDES. 



From 5 a. r.i. until 12 niidnij^lit. a d.i\- of 19 hours, White Plains has 49 trains to Xew York, which aver- 
ages about one train ever}- twentA'-five minutes. Of these, 27 are local trains, with an adequate number of 
additional south-bound trains in tlie rush hours; 14 are local express trains, and 8 are through express 
trains, well distributed through the dav, making no stops between White Plains and New York. 

P'rom 7 a. m. until 2.40 a. m., a day of 19 hours and 40 minutes, there arrive at White Plains from New 
York 47 trains, which averages about the same as the south-bound service, (^f these, 27 are local trains. 13 
local expresses, and 7 through expresses. 

P'roni 6 to 9 a. ni. there is a train every 15 minutes to New York. From 4 to 7 p. m. there is a train 
every 15 minutes from New York to White Plains. 

It is a well-known fact that trains running long distances are more liable to delays from various causes 
than those running short distances. The Harlem Dixision of the New York Central, running through 
White Plains, is purely a local line, running no long and heavy through trains, and as a consequence, the 
local service is not disturbed through such "through" trains being off their schedules and interfering 
with the time for local trains, as is frequently the case on almost every other railroad running out 





KESIDENCE OF F. H. WARNKlt. 



RESIDENCE uK CliAKI,E> !•.. liini II, M. U. 




GROVK STliEliT. 



from New York. The percentage of 
trains making schednle time is ver}' 
high, and compares most faxorably 
with anj' other service ont of the 
metropolis. 

Any statement regarding the 
train service of White Plains, mnst 
take into consideration the fact that 
it is on one of the three roads which 
alone actnal]\' run into ;in\- ])art of 
the City of New York. The Hud.son 
and Harlem Divisions of the New 
York Central, and the New York, 
New Haven and Hartford Railroad, 
are the only lines actually running 
trains into the metropolis, making 
stops at Mott Haven, r25th Street 
and 42d Street. All other suburban 
service from New York begins and 
ends on a foreign shore, and must 
gain its access to the cit}' proper by 
ferry at the present time. ' The 
physical conditions of the Cit}' of 

•^ew York are such that this is a wonderful advantage, and one that should be given serious consideration by 

hose contemplating suburban residence. A great deal has been said of late about the tunnel through which 

hese lines operate south of 96th Street in New York C^ity, and it must be admitted that any tunnel is and 

nust be somewhat of an inconvenience ; but any person who has had any experience with the aggravating 

lelays caused by weather conditions in the case of ferries, and the inevitable discomfort of transferring from 

rain to ferr}-, and vice versa, will 

)robably be glad to go on record in 

avor of a tunnel, which, while it mav 

)e uncomfortable a small percentage 

)f the time, and the cause of slight 

letentious occasionallv, is never 

blocked b}' ice or fog, and through 

vliich one can ride to the end of his 

ourney without transfer and the 

consequent loss of time, and the dis- 
comfort of a pushing and elbowing 

-Towd. In this connection, something 

diould be said of the plans which the 

New York Central and Hudson 

River Railroad are pushing to com- 
pletion, which will eliminate all of 

:he present slight discomforts of the 

:nunel in its suburban service. Such 

plans, which were some time since 

made public, include the construction 

af a subway loop, leading from about 

^6th Street (the mouth of the present 

Lunuel) to a new and well planned . ,„ . .. 

' UESIDENCE OF JOHN M. DIO.VEY. 




24 




RKSIDENCE OP W. T. WARBURG. 



suburban station on the block embraced within Vanderbilt and Madison Avenues and 43d and 44th Streets 
such subway to be so constructed as to exclude all smoke and gas; all local trains to be handled, betweer 
Mott Haven Junction and the terminal station, by electricity. This will be a great improvement, and it wii: 
practically eliminate all the present objections to the tunnel entrance to the heart of the city. This worls 
has already been started, and will be completed as rapidh' as possible. 

In a word, in addition to all its 
other charms as a suburban home 
center, the village of White Plains 
has that most indispensable feature 
of suburban life, a first-class trair 
service ; and in this respect it is ex- 
celled by no other village in the out 
lying districts of the center of tht 
universe commonly called New York 
This service is provided by a com- 
pany which has kept abreast of anc 
even ahead of the times, and it is 
only fair to presume that as the vil- 
lage flourishes, its train service will 
keep well in hand with the neces 
sities in that direction. If the receni 
PTOwth of both the village and the 
train service is any indication. White 
Plains has a very gratifying future 
indeed. 




RESIDEN'CB OF EDWIN N. DOLL. 



25 




HHJIi SCHouL. 



Oar Vablic Schools 

TPIIE i)ul)lic school sj-steni of a 
town is a sure index to tlie 
character of tlie people. The nia- 
U-rial developnient, the intellectual 
life, tlie social standards, the 
moral concepts of a coniniuuity 
are all dependent on, and all 
spring" from the schools and the 
cluirches. The public schools 
should produce, or at least en- 
deavor to produce, self-reliant, self- 
controlling, and self-respecting 
men and women. 
Education means, in a Inroad .sense, power to grasp and to solve the great problems of life; 
it means .<;ettiug hold upon the great thoughts of the past and the present ; it means coming in 
contact witli the great minds of tlie past and the present : it means a broad and clear conception 
of nature and of nature's God; it means power of concentration and application; it means adaptation to 
environments ; it means power to do good, to encourage great activity on the part of those about 
us; it means, in short, the development of the perfect man or the perfect woman. 

A review of our public schools shows that the administration is along these lines, and the citizens are in 
thorough sympathy with all that is highest and best. 

Our public schools are good enough for children from the most cultured homes, and lliey are so free 
from bigotry that all may con.scientiously enjoy their benefits. The teaching force consists of fifty-five 
men and women, all graduates from either college or normal school, and all selected with oreat care 
The Board of Education and Super- 
intendent endeavor to secure such 
teachers as have not cmlv thorough 
preparation, common sense, good 
health, religions convictions and an 
insatiable love of work, but such as, 
ill addition, feel that teaching is the 
grandest and noblest profession to 
which man or woman cmild be called. 
The total enrollment is about 
1700. There are four well organ- 
ized grammar schools, and a thor- 
aughl}' epuipped high school. 

Manj' pupils from adjoining 

towns are registered in our schools. 

Text books, stationery, and ma- 




FISUEU -WE.NLE SCHOOL. 



26 




at. 



[i:AST yiDE SCHOOL. 



terial are furnished children witho 
co.st. 

Sanitar}- and health conditio 
receive very careful consideration. 
Children are not allowed to ; 
in school with wet feet or \\i 
rubbers on, and if the face or han( 
need washing or the hair nee( 
combing, the teachers feel that the 
are matters of prune iniportam 
The temperature, light and ven 
lation are watched with care, dt. 
children are placed in front sc; 
and children whose sight is impairi 
are placed where they can see 
the best advantage. Examinatioi 
made under the direction of tl 
supervisor of physical culture have disclosed many cases of impaired vision, imperfect hearing, and curv 
ture of the spine. All such cases are reported to the parents, and many cases so reported have bee 
treated by specialists. The seats are carefully adjusted to the size of the the child, and in ever}' possib 
way we endeavor to surround the pupils with proper phj'sical conditions. 

All cases of contagious diseases are promptly reported to the superintendent of schools b}- th 
Board of Health. Immediately all children who could by any possibility' be affected, by the cases s 
reported, are excluded from the school and not readmitted except by certificate from the health ofhce 
If a child should be taken suddenly ill in school, with a contagious disease, a physician employed h\ 
the Board of Education examines ever}^ child in the room, and causes the room to be thoroughly fum 
gated, to remove all possibility of further contagion. Teachers are constantly on guard, and suspiciou 
cases are often excluded without the order of a physician. The attendance officer prevents the spread r 
disease by reporting to the super- 
intendent cases not attended by a 
phj'sician. 

We believe most thoroughl}- 
that education is for all rather than 
for a favored few, yet the estab- 
lishment of institutions for higher 
education has been a wonderful in- 
spiration to the common schools. 
Colleges demand thoroughly pre- 
pared students, and as a result. 
college authorities and instructors 
turn their attention toward tlie 
common schools and lend their iu- 
Huence to the upbuilding and 
betterment of secondary instruction. 
Any town which maintains a 




HILLSIDE SCHOOL. 



27 




fllATTERTOX HILL. SCHOOL. 



good high school is prettv sure to 
have satisfactory eleiiieutary schools 
for various reasons. As the college 
demands and helps to secure sec- 
ondar}' schools, so the high school 
holds the elementary schools to a 
strict accountability in instruction 
and discipline. Further than this, 
just as the prospect of a college 
course is an inspiration to a high 
school student, so pupils in tlie 
elementary school will do better 
work, will have more interest in 
school and viill be more apt to c<m- 
tinue at their books if the prospect 
of a high school course is before 
them . 

The science work is now one 
of the most important and interest- 
ing departments of our high school, 
the equipment of our laboratory is complete. Our students in phj'sics, chemistr}-, botany and biology 

now able to do individual work under the direction of the instructor ; theory has been supplanted by 

:tice, and the students are taught to investigate, to preform experiments, to analyze and to know for 

iiselves ; arbitrarv instruction has given place to .self-instruction, and the element of interest has 

linatcd inattention. 

Athletic sports are 

iming more and 

e popular among 
students, and in 

y possible waj' the}' 

encouraged. 
There are several 

■cet ball teams not 

■ among our high 

)ol students, but 

he upper grades. 
Foot ball engages 
attention of our 

5 during the Fall 

iths, while base 

and field sports are 

rved for the Spring 
Summer. In the 

nmar schools the 

k athletics of the 




RESIDEVCE OF S. G. IIAYNIC. 



28 



Public Schools Athletic League are 
used. All these games, aside from 
their value in physical training, 
increase interest and pride in our 
schools. There is a greater spirit 
of loyalty and a more determined 
effort to succeed when the element 
of competition is introduced. 

Courtesy, consideration for the 
rights of others, self-control, perse- 
verance, fairness and courage, are 
souie of many attributes cultivated 
in the pursuit of athletics. 

Our town is centrall}' located 
and easilv accessible by trolley, by 
train or b}- carriage. We offer in 
our high school, preparation for 
business, for college or for technical 
schools. As a result, a large number 
of students are attracted from sur- 




■js^smtm 



RESII'lOX'!'. 



.imhx ,1 i;i!i:i\VN-. 




..*^«y^_r:V,' v-'i'tfi^SiT'Ji -"^i;^^.^,,.^. . 



FOUNTAIN SQUARE, CEN'TKAL AVENUE. 
29 




ii^Lilr i . . ■ « 




u..^c 


"'"''"il'''"'1ifli 




3^if^'-^^'l 







RESIDENCE OF E. M. WEST. 



"LOCUST LODGE." RESIDENl'B OF fH.-VRLES l)EUTEK.\l.\.\'.\ 





i:i:sii ii:.NCK 111' 1-. r.. r.\i;Ki:K 



lllO.-^lliK.VCE OK KE.Nil.M ri,.\TT. 





RESIDENCE OF \VM. D. TIBBITS. 



Ki:snii:.\ii: >n' .miis hmk.mi:!;. 




RESIDENCE OF II. R. IIAUKKTT. 




RESIDENCE OF E. E. WAITE. 








'zt iil ^^i^ril »,■ 



.^fj^iKi-jim 




RESIDENCE OF IlEXRY D. Bl'CKHOl'T. 




RESIDENCE OF J. C. L. PRIGGE. 




RESIDENCE OF G. F. R. Al, HERTS' >.N. 



r.ESlDEXCE OF H. O. SNIFFEN. 




THE KEELEY INSTITUTE. 



oimding towns ; attention is thns centered on our comnmnity, business interests are advanced, people 
.ettle in our midst for educational purposes, and there is a Ini^h moral and intellectual atmosphere directly 
raceable to our high school. 

A new high school building of modern design is now under consideration. 

An excellent public librarj- stands on the same ground with the high school building, and it is 

easily accessible for all students 
from the various schools. 

The Board of Education have 
established a night school, which is 
in session during the earlv months 
of the year. 

Altogether, the educational 
interests of our town are ver}- care- 
fully conserved, very ably sustained 
and the citizens are unanimous and 
enthusiastic in their support. 




LEXINGTON AVENUE. 



32 




MAMARONECK AVENUE. 





RESIDEiNCE OF DA\ ID CROMWELL. 



WESTCHESTER COl'NTY ILKl'OKTER EUILDIXG 




White Plains, th e Birthplace of the State of New York. 

\ far the most interesting and important event in the Revolutionary history of White Plains, was 
Jt3 the assembling of the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New York at the Court House, on the 

Qth day of July, 1776, pursuant to an adjournment from New York City. 

Tlie Congress was organized by the election of General Nathaniel W'oodhull as President, 
wliii, within a lew short wcL-ks thereafter, was destined to lose his life b\' reason of wounds received 
at tlie Iruuls of the Britisli on Long Island. 

The following Deputies were present fmni Westche.-.tcr County, vi/. : Colonel Lewis Graham, 
Colonel Pierre \'an C )rtlandt. Major Kbenezcr Lockwood, William Paulding, Captain Jonathan 
Piatt, Samuel Haviland, Zebedinli Mills. Colonel Gillierl Drake, Jonathan G. Tompkins, General Lewis 
Morris, and Goverueur Morris. 

The Congress remained in session at Wliite Plains until July 27II1, when it adjourned to meet at 
Harlem on July 29th. 

Tlie following letter, dated July 6th, 1776, was received from tlie Delegates to the Continental Congress, 
then in session at Philadelphia, viz : 

" Philadelphia, Jul_v 6ih, 1776. 
"GentlemI'N : 

"Although it is iu)t jwssible to foresee the consequences of human actit)ns, yet it is nevertheless a duty 
we owe ourselves and posterity- in all our public councils to decide in the best manner we are able, and to trust 
the event to that Being who controls both causes and events, so as to bring about His own determination. 

Inipres.sed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our affairs may take a more 
favorable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dis.solve all connection between Great Britain and 
the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States, as you will perceive by the enclosed 
Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to 3-on ; and to request 3'ou will have it proclaimed in 3-our 
Colony, in the way you shall tliiuk most proper. 

"The important consequences to the American States from this Declaration of Independence, considered 
as the ground and foundation of a future goverumcut, will uaturallv suggest the proprietv of having it 
proclaimed in such a manner, as that the people may be universally informed of it. 

" I have the honour to be, gentlemen, 

" Your most obedient and verj' humble servant, 

"JOHN HANCOCK. Pirsidcut. 
" Honourable Couveulion of New York." 



The following proceedings were Iiad l)v the Congress : 
"Ordered, Tlril said letter and Declaration be referred to a 
committee, to consist of Mr. Jay, Mr. Yates, Mr. Hobart, Mr. 
Brasher and Mr. W'm. Smith. 

"The Committee appointed to take into consideration the 
letter from our Delegates in Continental Congress, and the 
Declaration of Independence, reported the following, which was 
unanimously agreed to, and is in the words following, that is 
to sa}' : 




.A F.\ Y iriTE H V..\ 1 >Qe.VRTlCI(S. 



34 




I(]'..-.|I ■I'.M'IO I ih U . i'\ l-"lERRO. RESIDENCE < IF W. H. McGKATII. 

Grounds illustrated above is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in New York State. 

" In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York, 

"White Plains, July 9, 1776. 

'' Resolved unanimously, That the reasons assigned b}- the Continental Congress for declaring th 
United Colonies free and independent States are cogent and conclusive ; and that while we lament the crue 
necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, at the risk of our live 
and fortunes, join with the other Colonies in supporting it.'-' 

"Resolved, That a cop}' of the said Declaration and the foregoing resolution be sent to the Chainna 
of the Committee of the Count}' of Westchester, with orders to publ'sh the same, with beat of drum, at thi 
place on Thursday next, and to give directions that it be published with all convenient speed in the severs 
districts within the said count}'; and that copies thereof be forthwith transmitted to the other cotmty con 
mittees within the State of New York, with order to cause the same to be ptiblished in the several districts c 
their respective Counties. 

*The Declaration was read by John Thomas, Esq., and seconded by Michael Varian and Samuel Crawford, two prominent Whigs of Scarsdal 





THE SEl'iiNIi ■III KT HiiISIC. 
Site o£ Fjist Culill lluuse. 



THE FAbCONEER RESIDE.XCE. 
Headquarters of British Otlicers. 



35 




THE FIUST NATIONAL UANK OK WlllTK l'U\I.NS. 



" Resolved, That 500 copies of 
tlie Declaration of Independence, with 
llic two last mentioned resolntions of 
lliis Congress for ap])ioving and pro- 
clainiino- tlie sanic, be pui)lishcd in 
liandl)ills and sent to all tlie county 
cinnniittces in this State. 

" Resolved, That the Delegates 
of tliis State in Continental Congress 
l)e and they are hereby authorized to 
consent and adopt all such measures 
as they ni;'.v deem conducive to the 
happiness and welfare of llie I nited 
States of America. 

"Ordered, That copies of tlie 
aforesaid resolntions be transmitted 
to the Continental Congress." 

On the loth day of July the 

following resolution was adopted by 

the Provincial Congress, viz : 

"Resolved and Ordered, That the style or title of this House l)e changed from that of 'tlie Provincial 

I^ongress of the Colon}' of New York' to that of 'the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New 

^ork; " 

This is the first time the expression "State of New York" was ofiGeiall\- used, and the passage of this 
esolution properlv marks the birth o 
inction of ha\ ing been its birthplace. 
It is an interesting fact and 
lighly suggestive of the readiness ( f 
he representatives of the people of 
his Colony to accept the action of the 
^Continental Congress in dissolviii" 
.11 relations with the mother countiT, 
hat the above quoted resolutions of 
uly 9th were adopted before official 
lotice of tlic Declaration of Indepeiid- 
nce had reached the Provincial 
]!ongress. 

This appears b\- tlie following 
etter from the Congress to the body 
ittiug at Philadelphia: 

"July I I til, I 776. 

"Sir: — Your letter of the 6lh 

uly inst. enclosing a cop}- of the 

3eclaration of Congress, proclaiming 

he United Colonies free and inde- 



thc vState and this old town of White Plains enjoys the supreme di.s- 




CENTKAL, HANK. 




KE5niE.\('U OK ClIAKLKS HA.MMUXI). 



pendent States, and requestino- us U 
proclaim and publish the same ir 
this Colon}', has been received. 

" It gives us pleasure to inforn 
you that, having been informed oi 
that Declaration by our Delegates 
we have anticipated the request o; 
the Congress b}- our resolutions oi 
the 9th inst., a copy of which was 
enclosed in a letter we did ourselves 
the honour of writing you this 
morning. 

" We have the honour to be, etc . 
" By order, 

(Unsigned. 1 
"The Honourable John Hancock." 

A fit ending of this brief account of the circumstances attending the adoption of the Declaration ol 
Independence by the Colony of New York, is the following eloquent and prophetic letter from John 
Hancock to the Committee of Safety, then sitting at Fishkill, during a recess of the Provincial Congress, viz : 

" Baltimore, Januarv 31, 1777. 
"Gentlemen : 

"As there is not a more distinguished event in the history of America than the Declaration of hei 
Independence, nor any that, in all probability, will so much excite the attention of future ages, it is highly 
proper that the memory of that transaction, together with the causes that gave rise to it, should be preserved 
in the most careful manner that can be devised ; I am, therefore, commanded by Congress to transmit you 
the enclosed copy of the Act of Independence, with the list of the several members of Congress subscribed 
thereto, and to request that you will cause the same to be put upon record, that it may henceforth form a part 
of the archives of your- State, and remain a lasting testimony of your approbation of that necessary and 
important measure. "I have the honour to be, gentlemen, 

"Your most obedient and very humble servant, 

"JOHN HANCOCK, President. 
"Honourable Convention of the State of New York." 




WALLER AVE.NI 
37 



The Bacttle of White Pla^ins. 




White Pi.aixs was originally setllcd liy iikii 
from the sliore-lowu of Rye. By reason of its inland 
situation it bore a ver}' inconspicuons part in the 
early pnblic affairs of the American Colonies. Its 
inhabitants were intent on the tillage of the soil and 
the incidental milling of their grain and sawing c.f 
their Inmber for the practical nses of their peacefnl 
ife. The}' were loyal to their sovereign and the 
oppressions of the British Crown were less sorely 
felt than in the more accessible coast towns. By the 
removal of the Connty Conrt Honse from West- 
chester to White Plains in i 759, the life of the hamlet 
grew more variegated and interesting, and came into 
:loser touch with the stirring events of the times. The town became the gathering place for public 
issemblies where the political affairs of the colony were hotly discussed, and appeals to the spirit 
jf liberty and independence were frequent and earnest. Here, in time, the Pr()vincial Congress of New 
Vork held its sittings and the momentous questions of the day were debated. Here the Declaration 
>f Independence was first read in the State of New York, and W'hite Plains rose to a prominent place in 
L^olouial affairs. And here was soon after to be enacted one of the most important events in the history 
)f the American Revolution. The battle of White Plains, as a contest of arms, takes no rank among the 
^reat battles of history, but its bearings on the future of the American nation were of the utmost importance. 
The Revolution, begun at the battle of Lexington, in April, 1775, had been, up to August, 1776, almost 
/ntircJy favorable to the Colonists. The British Army, under Howe, had been forced to retire from Boston 
md take shelter in Halifax. Montgomery, though finally defeated at (Quebec, had driven Carleton from Lake 
[.Miamplain back to Montreal and then to Quebec. Clinton's naval expedition to South Carolina had been a 
•omplete failure. The British had no foothold within the thirteen colonies. 

Parliament had at last begun to realize the magnitude of the task they had undertaken, had appropriated 
^ 1 ,000,000 for a vigorou.-; prosecution of the war, had raised a large force of skilled soldier}- at home and 
lired disciplined Hessian troops from Germany. Their purpose was to concentrate the combined forces at 
S'ew York, effect a union with Carleton from the north, take possession of the Hudson and so cut off 
ronnectiou between New England and the other colonies. This large army was sent over in August, 1776, 
ukI landed at Staten Island. Washington had nuissed his troops, 14,000 strong, for the protection of the 
:ity, and a large force was entrenched on Brooklyn Heights. A few days later the British lauded at 
jravesend Bay, south of Brooklyn. The battle of Long Island followed, resulting in defeat and great loss 
o the Colonists. Under cover of night and a thick fog, they retreated across the river to New York, and 
iVashington massed his discouraged troops on Harlem Heights. Howe followed, taking possession of the 
:ity, and many indecisive skirmishes took place. General Howe's plan now was to get in the rear cf 
A'ashington. in hope of extinguishing his entire army and crushing out the rebellion at a single i)low. 
\ccordingly, he landed a large number of troops at Throgg's Neck. Washington, ever alert, saw Howe's 
)urp3.se and sent a detachment to Throgg's Neck to intercept him. This expedition was so far successful that 
t kept the British at bay for five days, while Washington made preparations to move his army to 
A'^hite Plains. 



NO TE. — The national Haj; was nut adopted by Conjjrcss untd Jiiiii; I4tli, 1777, and was not oIliLially promulj;att;d untd Septeinbei' 3i(l ot the 
anie year. Prior to that, lliere was great variety both in design and color, for example : the flag carried at the battle of White Plains, and known 
s the halite fla^ of While Plains, bore the "Liberty Cap" together with the sword and staff and the words of Patrick Henry, "Liberty or Death." 

In some flags the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew, as seen on the English Standard, were retained ; the pine tree was a favorite emblem, 
ither alone or in conjunction with the designs named above. The Culpepper men carried a tjanner, in the center of which was a rattlesnake 
oded ready to spring, with the warning below "Don't tread on me," and above the motto "Liberty or Death." Hut a flag bearing thirteen alter- 
ate red and white strip;s seemed to be generally preferred, and Congress, in adopting it, merely gave expression to the popular will. 

38 




KKSlliKNC-K OK 



I>. Sl-OTT. Mil 



Painful as it must have been 
lu Washington, tliere was now no 
alternative left him but to abandon 
Manhattan Island in order to save his 
army and the cause. Fort Washing- 
ton alone was left with a garrison, 
and w ilh the remainder of his ami}- 
Washington pressed rapidly on over 
King's Bridge, over Valentine's Hill 
and along the west bank of the Bronx 
to White Plains, where the stores 
had alread}' been concentrated. Here 
the army arri\ed on October 2ist, 
and rested on the hilly ground north 
of the village; their lines extending 
from the Bronx over Dusenburj-'s 
Hill, across Broadway and eastward 
to the rocky hills at Horton's Pond, 
now St. Mary's Lake. There, on the 
two following days, they built three 
lines of breastworks on the hillsides 
at var3-ing elevations. General Lee 
from the south had arrived with two 
divisions and the total number of troops was about 25,000; but one half of these were sick or unfit for 
duty. The remaining 13,000 were raw recruits, farmers' boys, undisciplined, mostly un-uniformed, ragged, 
ill ted and disheartened, and hundreds, their terms of enlistment having expired, were daily leaving the ranks 
and going home. With infinite patience, Washington inspired them and kept them al work, preparing 
fi)r the conflict, which seemed to be incvitai)le. 

Meantime, Howe, abandonding 
the atempt to get in rear of Wash- 
ington's army, had withdrawn his 
forces from Throgg's Neck, and land- 
ing them at Pelham, marched through 
Xew Rochelle up North vStreet to 
vScarsdale, where the army lay in 
camp for .several day.s. Here Howe 
laid his plans for a final and decisive 
engagement, which would annihilate 
the rebel army and crush the rebel- 
lion. Everything being ready, on 
October 28th, Howe, with his entire 
army, numbering 15.000 disciplined 
soldiers, came up the Post Road 
from Scarsdale, driving in the Ameri- 
can pickets, and spread out his lines 
eastward over tlie Plains from the 
Bronx to the Mamaroneck Road. 

Washington had despatched 
five regiments with some artillery, 
under command of General Mac- 
Dnigal, to hold Chattcrlon Hill. hk^u>ksvk (,i- iha a. yumnsiACK. 




.|0 




Howe, perceiving their position, 
sent a detachment of Hessian in- 
fantry and grenadiers with the 2d 
English Brigade to dislodge them. 
Crossing the Bronx at the ford, 
probabh' near the present Sewage 
Disposal Works, they filed along 
Mill Lane, covered by the fire of 
the British cannon from the platean 
on the east side of the river. Snd- 
denly facing to the left, in a long 
line they rushed up the steep and 
rugged hill in the face of a galling 
and deadly fire from the summit, 
while the bulk of the hostile armies, 
Washington from the hills, and 
Howe from the Plains, watched the 
combat from afar. Laborioush', 
but with the steadiness of trained soldiers, the Ro3-al forces stormed the hill while the Americans poured 
down a raking fire of shot, and with great bravery resisted every approach. The Americans were holding 
their position, the British lines were breaking and their men were falling fast, and it seemed to the watching 
armies that the Americans had won the daj- ; when suddenly, Colonel Rail, in command of two regiments of 
Hessians, who had climbed bv an easier ascent on the south, appeared over the brow of the hill from the 
west and opened a merciless crossfire upon the gallant and almost victorious defenders of the hill. 
The Americans, outnumbered and out-flanked, beat a hastv, though orderlv, retreat down the hill, across 
the bridge, and up to Washington's camp on Dusenbury's Hill, while the British occupied the hill they 
had vacated. The battle had been short, and the British were victorious. The loss of the Americans in 
killed and wounded was not over one hundred, though many stragglers were taken prisoners. The 
British loss, however, was at least two hundred and twent3'-nine killed and wounded. The latter were re- 
moved to and cared for in the temporary hospital at the old Ouimb}' homestead on the Post Road, recently 
pulled down. 

Had General Howe followed up his advantage, and made a vigorous attack all along the line, as he had 
originally planned, he would probably have been successful, and the cause of American Independence would 



LAKE KKNISCO. 




KKSIDBXCE OF WILLIAM H. GED.N'EY. 



IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE. 



4T 




liROADWAV. 



liiivc been irretrievably lost. Hut his 
achantatje had been gained at so severe 
a eost tlial lie hesitated to take any 
further risk until he had received rc- 
iuforecnients. Doubtless, he renieni- 
l)cred tlie victorj' so dearly bought at 
liuuker Hill, and llmu^li he nia\- have 
felt success to be witliin his grasp, he 
decided to be doubly sure of it. Accord- 
ingly, the British Army settled down 
in camp and waited for the two bat- 
talions of Hessians and the four 
regiments which Howe had ordered 
from New Rochelle and New York. 
Three days were thus wasted before 
re-inforcements arrived. On the 31st, 
there was a drenching rain and the attack was postponded for another day. 

Meanwhile. Washington had been busy cheering and inspiring his raw and disheartened troops, by 
keeping them at work throwing up strong works in the rear on the heights of North Castle. These hills 
were steep and inaccessible, and commanded the roads and approaches to the north. There the armv would 
be securely fortified and able to withstand any attack that Howe might make. Thither the stores and 
cannon were quietly removed, and on the night of the 31st the whole army vacated their camp at White 
Plains and I'etired to their impregnable position at North Castle. The movement was decisive. Howe had 
been outgeneraled. When he took possession of the abandoned camp of the Americans, on the morning 
of November 1st, he realized that his plans had failed and there was no prospect of success except In' a long 
siege during the months of the fast approaching Winter. After several days of inactivity and irresolution, 
Howe suddenly broke camp and moved his army to Dobbs Ferry and thence b}^ the river road towards New- 
York. It has developed, in recent years, that one of the causes of Howe's sudden change of ba.se was the 
certainty of capturing Fort Washington, which was still held by the Americans, owing to the treachery of 
an officer of the garrison there, who had betrayed to the British commander a plan of the fort and its 
approaches, and full information concerning the garrison, its stores and munitions, thus making its capture 
possible and easy. 

On the 6th of November, Washington held a council of war, and it was unanimously agreed to throw 




RESIDE.VCE OF H. E. SCIIMID, M.D. 



KE81DEXCE OF Ji_iliN KUSCH. 



42 



the troops into New Jersey, and on the 
9th the movement was made, leaving 
only a few thousand troops under 
General Lee until all fear of attack 
from Howe should be over. Lee re- 
mained at North Castle for a fortnight 
and then joined the rest of the army 
in New Jersey. 

Thus passed one of the most 
critical periods in the history of the 
Revolutionary War. The little fight 
of half an hour on Chatterton Hill, 
insignificant as it was, and, like the 
fight at Bunker Hill, disastrous to the 
American forces, yet was the turning 
point in the apparently victorious 
progress of the British arms. 

The bight after, Howe's withdrawal 
was celebrated with great hilarity by the American soldiers, and disgraced by acts of the most inexcusable 
vandalism on the part of the militia from Massachusetts, who burned the Court House, the Presbyterian 
Church, and many private dwellings and stores. Thence-forward, during the war, the town, being in 
neutral territory, was harried alike by friend and foe, skinners and cowboys, so that for many years White 
Plains was a desolate and deserted village, and all enterprise and spirit had been stamped out. 




WHITE PLAINS CONSERVATORY OF MISH". 





^'Vi^' 



CHURCH STREET. 
43 







Remains of Washington's en- 
trcnclinients are still to be seen on 
1 )iiscnl)nry's Hill, and a small rampart 
with a mortar monnted on it has been 
sacredly preser\-ed on Broadway, op- 
posite the residence of William A. 
Wood worth, Esq. The entrenchments 
on Mount Misery, west of the reser- 
voir in North Castle, are also very 
distinctly visible. The headqnarters 
(it Washington, during his sta}' 
here, was the old house now stand- 
ing near the North Whitr Plains 
Railroad station at the base of .Mount 
Misery. 

I'he old house known as the 
headquarters, occupied b}- G e n e r a 1 
Lafaj^ette in 1776, is also standing on Spring Street. The old house known as the John P'^alkeneer 
house, occupied by British officers in 1776, stood on the lot north of and adjoining the residence of 
\\'m. R. Brown on Broadwa3', and 
was torn down several 3'ears ago. 



I'KNTIUY (MB. 




K.VSTElt.N SIATE lil lI-llIM; 



\\ .M. MII.UOO.NS SANITAKIIIM. 



44 




prST i:fi h i: 



Newspapers. — White Plains is exceptionally fortunate in its newspapers. The oldest paper in the 
County, The Eastern Stale Journal, was established here in May, 1S45, and has been published contin- 
uously since. The Westchester News was established in 1S71; The Westchester County Reporter in May, 
1891, and The White Plains Argus issued its first number in 1896. All the above are published weekly. 
There are also two daily papers, TJie Daily Record and The Daily Reporter. All are enterprising, ably 
edited and well conducted. The fact of White Plains being the county seat enables these papers to give 
attention to the news of the courts and county offices, as 
well as the happenings of the village and adjacent towns. 

The Home Savings Bank of White Plains was 

established in 1893 and has had the most remarkable 
growth of any savings institution in the State of New York, 
its deposits now aggregate over $2,700,000.00. It pays its 
depositors for interest on their money about $90,000 per 
annum and during its business life, about thirteen 3^ears, has 
paid over $425,000.00 in interest, having always paid at the 
rate of four per cent per annum; besides doing this it has 
earned a handsome surplus, amounting to $65,000, which is 
held as additional security for its deposits. 



The First National Bank of White Plains, N. Y., 

began business in 1S93 under the title of The White Plains 
Bank, with a capital of $50,000. In 1902 it increased its 
capital to $100,000, and incorporated as a National Bank, 
assumina: the title of The First National Bank of White 
Plains. It numbers among its customers many of the best 
business men of the town. Its deposits are about $825,000, 
and it has accumulated a surplus of $45,000. 

45 




The Central Bank of Westchester County 

was incorporated in iS6S and is recognized as one of 
the leading l)anking institntions in the Conntv. It 
is located on tlie corner of Court Street and Railroad 
Avenue, opposite the Court House, in one of the most 
])n)ininent Inisiness locations in the village. It was 
!)uilt from the same native stone as the Court House 
and is one of the landmarks of the village. It is a 
strong substantial building in appearance, with simple 
but impressive architecture. A modern safe deposit 
\;nill has recentl}^ been added, containing safe deposit 
boxes, which gives the Bank the very best burglar 
and fire proof protection for its own securities, besides 
being a great accommodation to the people at large. 
The Bank has paid to its stockholders since its incor- 
poration $235,000 in dividends. Its deposits increase 
each year, and it has stood the test of time and en- 
J03-S the absolute confidence of the community. 

The County Trust Company was incorpo- 
rated in 1903, and commenced l)usiness on July first 
r that 3"ear in the present offices. No. 122 Railroad Avenue, Barrett Building. The officers and directors of 
lis financial institution are well-known and successful men, of established reputation and experience, 
larked success has attended the Company from the start, and its statements reflect a constant and steady 
icrease in all branches of its business. 

A general trust and banking business is transacted. Trusts are accepted, the care and management of 
states assumed, and in its fiduciarj- capacity the Company acts as trustee, registrar, transfer and fiscal 
Li;ent of corporations, and as executor, administrator, guardian, committee, and receiver. 

Approved bond and mortgage loans are made, and through its Banking Department the Company re- 
Mves the accounts of individuals, firms, corporations and banks. Interest is allowed on deposits, which are sub- 
set to cheque at any time. The County Trust Company is a thoroughl}^ modern institution, conservatively 




Tin; WHITE ri.AlNS IM.l'R. 




WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL. 



46 




SOLDIERS' MONUMENT ON BROADWAY. 



managed, and equipped with evety facility for the accommodation of its depositors. Resources ? 1,335, 349. 52. 

The White Plains Club, organized March 14, 1905. Number of members, 135. This Club is non- 
political and non-sectarian and is established for the development of literary and social intercourse and for 
the physical and mental advancement of its members. 

St. John's Catholic Club, organized in June, 1905, made progress slowly until Januar}' of the 
following year, when, through the efforts of its members and the generosity of the people of White Plains, 

it was enabled to purchase a site for a 
club house on Hamilton Avenue ad- 
joining vSt. John's School. This prop- 
erty is now being remodeled and when 
completed will comprise bowling 
alle3's, gymnasium, billiard and pool 
rooms and a well-equipped library. 
The object of the club is to 
ameliorate the condition of the young 
men of St. John's Parish in ever}- 
possible way, and to this end special 
energ}' will be spent during the winter 
season along educational and literary 
channels. The club now numbers 
about fifty and is rapidly growing to 
be a leading feature of the social 
life of White Plains. 




PRESBYTERIAN REST. 



47 





.\i.\i.()Ni:v r.i ilium;. 



i:.\i;i:i:tt i;rii.ii|.- 



The brief description aiul llic illuslnitioiis herein, are designed lo reaeli those wlio desire homes, and 
lave not yet seen White Phiins, or heard of its many advantages as a desirable place of residence. 

Good elevation, pure air and pure water, accessibility to business and excellent railwaj' service, improved 
ind shaded streets, well equipped local stores and markets, good schools and churches, good sanitary con- 
litions and fine drives, make White Plains "The" Ideal spot to locate a home. 

To all such, White Plains extends a hearty welcome. In the words of the great actor when called 
jefore the curtain at the end of the play, " l\Iy friends, what would you more?" 





8t. MAHYS I.AKK 
Plutcii liy Electro I.lclil Eiig. Co., New York. 



IlIiiHtraii'tl l)y ItdKcii 



HKSlORViill! I.AKi;. 

Vrvt-i* of Wii.i.is .MrDoNAi.it \ Co., New York, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 205 885 6 • 






:* 




